The Maya Collapse

The Maya Collapse refers to the decline and abandonment of large Maya cities in the southern lowlands around the 8th and 9th centuries AD. This decline was likely caused by a combination of factors, including environmental stress from droughts, overpopulation, deforestation, and resource depletion, which strained their agricultural society. Additionally, internal social unrest, warfare, and political upheaval contributed to the disintegration of ruling powers and urban centers. While some Maya communities persisted in the more northern regions, the classic lowland cities experienced a significant and lasting decline, marking a major transformation in Maya civilization.